through winding paths of alternate light and shade, sheltered by
the latticework of crossed and twisted green boughs where only the
amorous chant of charming birds now and then broke the silence
with fitful and tender sweetness. All the air about them was
fragrant and delicate,--tiny rainbow-winged midges whirled round
and danced in the warm sunset-glow like flecks of gold in amber
wine,--while here and there the distant glimmer of tossing
fountains, or the soft emerald sheen of a prattling brook that
wound in and out the grounds, amongst banks of moss and drooping
fern, gave a pleasant touch of coolness and refreshment to the
brilliant verdure of the luxuriant landscape.

"Speaking of creeds, Sah-luma"--said Theos at last, looking down
with a curious sense of compassion and protection at his
companion's slight, graceful form--"What religion is it that
dominates this city and people? To-day, through want of knowledge,
it seems I committed a nearly unpardonable offence by gazing at
the beauty of the Virgin Priestess when I should have knelt face-
hidden to her benediction,--thou must tell me something of the
common laws of worship, that I err not thus blindly again."

Sah-luma smiled.

"The common laws of worship are the common laws of custom,"--he
replied--"No more,--no less. And in this we are much like other
nations. We believe in no actual Creed,--who does? We accept a
certain given definition of a supposititious Divinity, together
with the suitable maxims and code of morals accompanying that
definition, ... we call this Religion, . . and we wear it as we wear
our clothing for the sake of necessity and decency, though truly